🤝AI as Writing PartnerLesson 5 of 5

When to Use AI vs. Write Alone

8 min

basics

AI isn't always the right tool. Sometimes it speeds you up; sometimes it gets in the way. Knowing when to reach for AI—and when to close it and just write—is a crucial skill.

Key Concepts

1
Use AI when stuck, not when flowing
2
First drafts often work better without AI
3
AI excels at revision and brainstorming
4
Emotional scenes usually need human writing first
5
Research and worldbuilding are great AI use cases

Examples

Prompt / Technique

GOOD AI use case: 'I need to figure out the rules of magic in my world. Help me brainstorm constraints and costs.'

Result / Insight

AI can generate systematic options quickly

Prompt / Technique

POOR AI use case: Using AI when you're in flow state and words are coming easily

Result / Insight

Don't interrupt your natural momentum with AI—just write

Try It Yourself

For your next writing session, note when you reach for AI. Was it because you were stuck? Lazy? Curious? Track your patterns to optimize your workflow.

Pro Tips

If you're in flow, keep writing—don't break it for AI

Use AI at the START of a session to prime your thinking

Use AI at the END to review and suggest improvements

The emotional core of your story should be human-written

Summary

AI is one tool in your toolkit. The skill is knowing when it serves your writing and when it interrupts it.

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